I currently serve as the Secondary Program Coordinator and the Executive Director of the Mississippi Geographic Alliance. In these roles, I work to enhance educational programs and foster professional development in the fields of secondary education in general and in geography education specifically. My responsibilities include overseeing curriculum development, supporting faculty, and guiding graduate students toward success. As a secondary education coordinator, I focus on refining and advancing secondary education courses at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. I also provide academic advising to graduate students, helping them navigate their educational journey and career development in secondary social studies. In my capacity as Executive Director of the Mississippi Geographic Alliance, I lead efforts to promote geographic literacy and advocate for high-quality geography instruction across the state so children understand the power of the spatial perspective and asking the questions - Where? And, why there? My work engages educators, policymakers, and community partners to strengthen geographic education and support teacher professional development. I am passionate about shaping future educators and advancing educational initiatives that promote critical thinking, global awareness, and civic engagement.
Research Interests
Experiential learning in understanding the power of place-/community-based education, geography/geography education for understanding the power of the spatial perspective in asking and answering geographic questions, and the role of professional development in continuing teacher education.
Biography
Most recently, Ellen shared her talents with National Council for Geographic Education - GeoCamp Iceland program as co-leader for the 2017, 2019, and 2021 professional field courses. In October 2023, she facilitated a trip of GeoCamp alumni to collaborate with compulsory and higher education faculty in Iceland. In July 2023, Ellen took over leadership of the Mississippi Geographic Alliance (MGA).
A member of the MGA Steering Committee, the MGA Pre-Service Teacher Conference staff since 2009, Ellen looks forward to growing MGA's network of teachers and community partners to bring geography to all students. Ellen received her Ph.D. in Geography - Geographic Education from Texas State University-San Marcos in 2006. Before her transition to higher education, Ellen taught high school social studies for nine years in the Greater San Antonio area upon completion of her M.A. in Teaching from Trinity University. Ellen also served as an adjunct geography instructor in the Alamo Community College District from 2004-2007. Ellen lives in Abbeville, MS, with her chosen family, Golden Retrievers, and Morgan horses.
Courses Taught
- EDCI 419 Classroom Assessment
- EDLE 480 Student Teaching: Secondary Education
- EDSE 647 Advanced Methods of Teaching Social Studies
Education
B.S. Agri Economics, Texas Tech University (1993)
M.A. Education, Trinity University (1994)
Ph.D. Geography, Texas State University-San Marcos (2006)